Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary

Nepal is a country in a league of its own with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a fascinating culture and friendly people. Our route takes us via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through beautiful valleys, dense forests and across glacial rivers before we reach the renowned viewpoint of Kalapatar, on the approach to Everest Base Camp, and the view of the highest mountain on the planet. Time is built in to trek to Base Camp itself. We also have time to explore the colourful and frenetic capital of Kathmandu.

Day 1 London to Kathmandu

Day 2 Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel in the Thamel area. We spend a half-day exploring the city and discovering the sights, sounds and smells! Kathmandu is a labyrinth of streets and crowded with exotic produce and a mystifying blend of people. Visit the central Durbar Square, infused with a medieval atmosphere, overflowing with stupas and home to the Old Palace. There is also the opportunity hire/buy any last minute trekking equipment or haggle for souvenirs at the many shops and stalls. (Dinner not included)

Overnight: hotel

Day 3 Kathmandu

We take a tour around Kathmandu and take in some awe inspiring sights, such as Bodhnath and wayambhunath (more commonly known as the monkey-temple): Buddhist temples swathed in prayer-flags and incredibly photogenic. Temples and palaces, markets and sadhus, we will see as much as we can before returning to Thamel for our evening meal and final packing session.(Lunch not included)

Overnight: hotel

Day 4 Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding

Trekking time 3 hours

We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, 'Gateway to the Everest region,' perched at 2840m above the Kosi or 'River of Milk' - so named because of the pale milky appearance of the glacier melt-water. We are now in the region the legendary Sherpas and you will notice the difference in the faces of the people you meet here and those from the valley. After lunch we trek north down towards Phakding (2610m) along a trail which is lined with mani stone walls, made with hundreds of stone tablets and giant carved boulders, brilliantly decorated with brightly-coloured paints. The Buddhists believe these to be sacred and so as a sign of respect to the local culture we pass them in a clockwise direction

Overnight: teahouse

Day 5 Phakding - Namche

Trekking time 5 - 7 hours approx.

We head onwards and upwards as the trail starts to rise through a forest of rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees. Our target this evening is Namche Bazaar (3440m), a delightful mountain village and the Sherpa 'capital', but first we must ascend Namche Hill. Walking at a gentle but steady pace we finally arrive at the town that is itself an important meeting and trading point for the local people.

Overnight: teahouse

Day 6 Acclimatisation Day

We take a day to rest in Namche. We can either explore the markets which sell everything a trekker could require here or happily laze around in the sun. It is important to note that acclimatisation is extremely important and that by using these acclimatisation days correctly we greatly improve our chances of reaching our goal of Kalapatar, which lies at an altitude of 5,545m.

Days 7 - 9 Namche - Dingboche

Trekking time 3 - 6 hours daily

The trail turns northeast from Namche along a tributary valley and the mountain views start to open up, becoming more dramatic as the climb approaches the holy ground of Tyangboche, which is surrounded by a protected juniper forest. From here, on a ridge above the much-photographed gompa (monastery) is a mountain vista with few equals: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kwangde and Kangtega all loom above us. When we reach the picturesque 'summer village' of Dingboche (4,100m) it is time to take another acclimatisation day.

Overnights: teahouses

Days 10 - 13 Dingboche - Kalapatar - Base Camp

Trekking time 4 - 8 hours daily

Leaving Dingboche, the trails ascend gently but still the pace is easy, it's important not to rush in the rarefied atmosphere. We reach Lobuche (4910m), often reached by walking past frozen rivers where stone houses sit in an icy wilderness of stunning beauty. We are en route to our final destination, Everest Base Camp. Over the next two days we climb to the look-out point of Kalapatar (5545m), which fills us with a real sense of achievement as we stare in awe at the spectacular surroundings. We can then head for the renowned camp where many a climber has set off to climb the world's highest mountain, before returning to Lobuche.

Overnights: teahouses

Days 14 - 16 Lobuche - Pengboche - Lukla

Trekking time 4 - 8 hours daily

We retrace the trail with comparative ease to Lukla, via Pengboche, home to Khumbu's oldest gompa and yeti relics. Our bodies are acclimatised to the altitude and the further we descend the fitter we feel.

Overnights: teahouses

Day 17 Lukla - Kathmandu

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, and spend the rest of the day sightseeing, exploring, shopping or just relaxing in|Kathmandu's numerous cafés and roof-top restaurants before spending the evening celebrating our  achievements!

Overnight: hotel

Day 18 Kathmandu

Free time to further explore Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Day 19 Arrive London UK

NB. This itinerary could be changed for safety reasons or should local conditions dictate.

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